Help - Am I turning into a man?!

[Hairychest]

Hi all, does anyone know why my chest is getting hairier?! I am a 24 year old FEMALE yet over the last year I have developed a patch of hair in the middle of my chest like a man (but not as thick - yet!). Does anyone else have this? I realise it is likely to be caused by hormones, especially as this has happened since coming off the pill a year ago. I had an ultrasound last week to check for polycystic ovaries as I also have very problematic periods but my ovaries look ok.

If this is because of too much testosterone or something do you think it's likely to improve as my hormone levels stabilise? But it has been a year, surely they should be 'normal' by now? How can I make it stop growing? I'm reluctant to wax/shave/bleach as it might look worse!

Would be good to hear similar experiences/advice... TIA

[Hairychest]

Am I the only gorilla then?!

[BettySwollux]

Hi, I'm also hairy. Not on chest, but on face! If I let it grow out I would have a full beard and tache .
I use tweezers and epilator.
I was tested for PCOS, but was fine.
Tested hormone levels, all within normal range.
I would wax.

[TinyPawz]

I have hairy chest, hairy, nipples, chin, lip, ass, lower back and have hairier legs than both my brothers. But I do have PCOS.

I shave and am saving for laser hair removal.

so no not on your own!

[leisurely]

Me too. I have awful acne, big belly and a gorgeous 'tache that, if I left it undisturbed, I could twirl. PCOS diagnosed around 10 years ago. I live with it, as, due to language problems I can't find a gynae with enough experience to treat me/offer any advice. Good luck, and FWIW, I'd wax or depilatory cream the really thick stuff.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Sounds awfully like PCOS to me and for some PCOSers hirsuitism is a big problem. PCOS is a very individualistic disorder though and can affect each woman with it very differently.

What are your periods like now - I note you say they are problematic. If they continue to be irregular in nature then a blood test should be done on or around day 2 (blood tests can also be done according to calendar days) to compare your LH level against that of your FSH level. With PCOS the level of LH is often higher than that of FSH.

These hormone levels need to be compared as they can look "okay" if only looked at separately. Hormone levels with PCOS do not often stabilise either.

I note you had an ultrasound last week to check for PCO and the ovaries looked okay. What you may not be aware of is that the cystic follicles associated with PCOS can and do disappear - only to be replaced by further cystic follicles. It can also take a highly skilled sonographer to see polycystic ovaries. Polycystic ovaries can appear larger than normal size (a normal sized ovary is about the size of a walnut).

I would ask GP for a referral to a gynaecologist for further evaluation. This is not a problem that should be messed around with by GPs.

Have a look at Verity's website too:-
www.verity-pcos.org.uk

[Hairychest]

Thanks for your messages, I had thought PCOS until the scan but as you say it is still a possibility. However apart from my periods I don't really have any of the other symptoms (other than hairy chest & nipples). I did have acne issues but touch wood this seems to have settled down. Sorry ladies but I am slim (8.5 stone) and have never had any weight issues.

My periods have been problematic since they started age 13. The pain is the main issue but they are also very heavy and irregular. Cycle can be anywhere from 35 to 70 days. Went on pill at 15 to control them as struggled so much with the pain in school. Since then they have been nicely controlled but I had to stop the pill last Spring as the number of aura type migraines I was getting were contraindicated. Periods now a struggle again. It's taking a long time for them to return to 'normal' so each month they seem to be getting heavier and more painful. But it does seem that perhaps they are getting more regular, now every 35-45 days. I currently take Mefenamic Acid which does help a little but not entirely. Also been given tranexamic acid which I took last month but didn't seem to make any difference compared with the mefenamic acid alone.

My GP has prescribed me cerazette (progesterone only pill) but I am reluctant to take it as I would prefer to find out what is really going on with my natural hormones first. Also have read lots on here about possibility of prolonged bleeding which I cannot deal with right now.

Am seeing different GP on thursday. Old one seemed to be getting bored with me! She was a lady so I thought she would be more sympathetic but apparently not. So I will see the nice young bloke and see if he is any more help.

Any other hairy people around?

[Hairychest]

So these hormone tests- on day 2..? Day 2 of period?

[5inthebed]

Another PCOS sufferer here. I get a few hairs on my chin and nips, but the worst part is between my bellybutton and bikini line .

There are a few places that give you laser treatment hal price if you have a letter from your GP stating you have excess hair because of PCOS. I'm pretty sure Laserase is one of them.

[Hairychest]

Thats good to know! Although half price still exceeds my budget (I am a student )